Retiree Seeks Parkland Seat

PARKLAND — Leonard Eckblom, a retired building contractor, has become the second resident to announce his candidacy for the City Commission seat held by Barbara Connolly.

Eckblom, who moved to Parkland from Fort Lauderdale six months ago, said he plans to open a campaign account at City Hall this week.

Steven Rinfret, a former Fort Lauderdale police officer, has already opened an account for his campaign to capture the CypressHead district seat.

Eckblom, 59, said his experience as president of a Massachusetts contracting firm could be put to good use on the commission.

``We need a businessman in this city, with the city just starting out,`` Eckblom said.

Explaining that many of his CypressHead neighbors are worried about home burglaries, Eckblom said he would examine whether the Public Safety Department could be strengthened despite the city`s financial constraints.

``You have to watch what you spend too. That`s why you need a businessman in there,`` he said.

Eckblom added that the city should attempt to bring in some commercial development to broaden its residential tax base. ``If not, our taxes will be out of sight,`` he said.

Connolly, a commissioner since 1984, has not announced whether she will seek re-election in March. Mayor Becky Gerren and Commissioner Joseph Lettelier are also up for re-election next year.